This Easy Beefy Melt Burrito is a tasty wrap filled with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings. It’s like a warm hug in a tortilla!
Making these burritos is super fun! I love piling on the cheese and watching it melt—who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? Perfect for lunch or dinner! 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, ground turkey or chicken works nicely, too!
Onion & Garlic: Fresh onions and garlic add great flavor. If you’re in a pinch, onion powder and garlic powder can substitute, but fresh is always best.
Spices: You can customize the spices according to your taste. If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a kick. Vegan cheese also works for a plant-based version.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are traditional, but whole wheat or corn tortillas can be used. Just ensure they’re big enough to wrap around the filling!
How Do I Get My Burrito to Hold Together?
Rolling a burrito can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll master it! Here’s how to roll them up tight:
- Warm the tortillas briefly so they’re flexible.
- Don’t overfill! You just need a generous spoonful of meat and cheese.
- Fold the sides over the filling, then pull the bottom up and roll tightly. Tuck in as you go!
Finally, sear the seam side down in the hot skillet for that extra crisp and to keep them from unraveling! Enjoy your burritos!
Easy Beefy Melt Burrito
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pan over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, so there are no big chunks.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them into the beef and sauté everything for about 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
3. Season the Mixture:
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Mix well and cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
4. Add Sauce:
Pour in the tomato sauce or salsa, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens a bit. Remove from heat once done.
5. Prepare Optional Add-ins:
If desired, stir in the cooked rice and black beans into the beef mixture. This adds extra texture and flavor!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
In a separate dry skillet or the microwave, warm the tortillas for a few seconds to make them soft and easy to roll.
7. Assemble the Burrito:
Place one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon some of the beef mixture into the center. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top, and if you like, add some chopped cilantro.
8. Roll It Up:
To make the burrito, fold the sides of the tortilla inward and then roll up tightly from the bottom to wrap everything up. Make sure it’s closed well!
9. Grill the Burrito:
In the same hot skillet, place the burrito seam side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Beefy Melt Burrito is ready to serve! Cut it in half if you’d like and enjoy it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa!
Enjoy your Easy Beefy Melt Burrito!
FAQ for Easy Beefy Melt Burrito
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works just as well in this recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.
Can I Make These Burritos Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers and zucchini, or use crumbled tofu or tempeh for a hearty option. You can also add more beans and rice for extra protein.
How Can I Store Leftover Burritos?
Wrap any leftover burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them, and they’ll last for about 2-3 months. Just make sure to reheat them thoroughly before eating!
What Sides Pair Well With These Burritos?
These burritos are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with chips and salsa, a side salad, or some Mexican-style rice to round out your meal!
